Wash

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Wash (Medicine)

Wash (pronunciation: /wɒʃ/) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe the process of cleaning or irrigating a wound or body part with a solution, often sterile water or a medicated solution.

Etymology

The term "wash" originates from the Old English "wæscan", which means to cleanse or purify. It has been used in the medical context since the late 19th century.

Related Terms

  • Irrigation (medicine): This is a similar process to a wash, but typically involves a more forceful stream of solution to remove debris from a wound.
  • Antiseptic: This is a substance that is often used in a wash to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
  • Sterilization (microbiology): This is the process of eliminating all forms of life, including infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc. from a surface, fluid, or biological medium. A wash can be a part of this process.
  • Wound: This is an injury to the body that typically involves a break in the skin. Wounds often need to be cleaned or washed to prevent infection.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, a wash is often used to clean a wound or body part to prevent infection. This can be done with sterile water, saline, or a medicated solution. The wash can help to remove debris and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.

In some cases, a wash may also be used to deliver medication to a specific area. For example, a nasal wash or sinus rinse can be used to deliver medication directly to the sinuses, or a wash can be used to apply a topical antibiotic to a wound.

External links

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